MercyMe's The Hurt And The Healer Embraced By Fans, Critics And Radio AlikePosted: Wednesday May 23rd, 2012

New album debuts at no. 1 on iTunes® Christian Albums Charts and in Top 10 on Overall Album Chart

Title Track Eyeing No. 1 on Christian Radio as Single Continues to Skyrocket Up Charts

One of Christian music's biggest and most beloved acts, MercyMe bowed their brand-new project, The Hurt & The Healer, yesterday to a No. 1 debut on the iTunes® Christian Albums Chart and in the Top 10 (at No. 10) on its overall album chart. Furthermore, The Hurt & The Healer is getting a lot of love from all who listen, including critics from Christianity Today, Crosswalk, New Release Tuesday and more:

"The band's latest full length is just as excellent as anything they've released. With a foundation of uplifting melodies and lyrics grounded in biblical themes, there's hardly a down moment. Singer Bart Millard's voice sounds as rich and strong as it ever has. MercyMe is clearly a band intent on making music to and for God, and for that their work will never return void."Christianity Today

"... the album hits its AC radio sweet spot head-on, while still attempting to take unexpected turns here and there. All the way around, Healer is sure to please, with enough diversity and pathos to continue to provide encouragement and inspiration to the fans who have made MercyMe one of the most beloved acts in Christian music."Crosswalk / TheFish.com

"The Hurt & The Healer knocks it out of the park... This incredible band has once again released their newest best album. It has a very warm musical style that will immediately soothe your soul and cause you to worship and sing along with these ultra-talented musicians. Don't miss out on the compelling sonic musical feel of this stellar five star album."NewReleaseTuesday.com

"MercyMe [has] created one of their most mature and lyrically profound of their career... [They] have crafted 10 tracks that take us on a musical journey that is one of the most rewarding of 2012. With plenty of rock songs to please the alternative genre, The Hurt and the Healer stretches musical boundaries to boldly assert its authority as one of this year's standout albums... this album is not to be missed. Well done, MercyMe for such a captivating musical experience!"Indie Vision Music

In addition to a stellar reception from the press, the title track continues to climb at a furious pace on the radio charts, claiming No. 1 on Soft AC/Inspo Indicator, and it's also in the Top 5 at AC Monitored (No. 4) and NCA Monitored (No. 4).

As the Grammy®-nominated band celebrates their new album, MercyMe will visit markets across the country throughout the summer. More information about tour dates can be found on MercyMe's official site.

About MercyMe
Since their debut in 2001, Grammy®-nominated, American Music Award and multiple GMA Dove Award winners MercyMe have sold over six million units in CD and DVD sales, while being one of few Contemporary Christian music groups to have had all of their recordings certified Gold® or Platinum®, as well as garner 23 No.1 multi-format Christian radio singles, and four consecutive mainstream radio hits with "I Can Only Imagine", (No. 4 AC/top 25 on Top 40/Hot AC), "Here With Me" (No. 4 AC), "Homesick" (top 10 AC) and "So Long Self". In 2009, BILLBOARD named MercyMe's "Word Of God Speak" the no. 1 Song of The Decade and the group the no. 1 Christian Songs Artist of the Decade, with an additional no. 1 as the Christian AC Song Artist of The Decade as one of the industry's most notable talents. MercyMe made history as "I Can Only Imagine" surpassed one million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go Platinum® in the digital domain. The Multi-Platinum™ selling band has sold out venues including Radio City Music Hall and has been seen on The Tonight Show, CNN, Fox New ChannelÂ¹s Fox & Friends, ABC News, CBSÂ¹ The Early Show, and on the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today, Billboard, and more.